Member Profiles

Mailboxes and Parcel Depot
By: Meagan Seele

"Now that I switched to REC, my phone bills are just a fraction of what they used to be."...Dale Smith

A concept that originated in California 20 years ago has been providing a valuable service to individuals and businesses in the Decorah area since the summer of 2002. Mailboxes and Parcel Depot, a unique business that offers convenient packaging and shipping service to its customers, is owned by Dale and Mary Lou Smith. The current manager is Corrine Lenth.

Imagine taking a parcel to one location where it can be professionally boxed, wrapped, label addressed, and sent by UPS, U.S. Mail, Federal Express, Federal Express Ground, Airborne, SPEE-DEE, or crated freight! And it is all done for you. They can even enter your chosen addresses into a database for future shipping use.

In addition to these services, Mailboxes and Parcel Depot offers black and white or color copying, binding, laminating, office supplies, stamps, fax service, passport photos, notary services, greeting cards, and should you decide to do the task yourself, packaging supplies. This includes over 50 sizes of boxes to choose from!

As if this wasnÕt enough Mailboxes and Parcel Depot offers many of the same services as post offices. They offer mailboxes for patron use, the option of holding mail during vacations and forwarding of packages. In addition they serve as a drop off point for the national carriers. Having a mailbox at Mailboxes and Parcel Depot offers the value of receiving parcels from all carriers besides the post office.

A well-equipped staff of experienced personnel is the single quality Dale considers most vital to their business. And these employees are ready to serve you from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and 9 to 12 on Saturdays. Mailboxes and Parcel Depot can be reached at 563-382-3646 or visit them at 502 Grant Street in Decorah. Their website is www.decorahmailboxes.com.

Hawkeye is proud to be a valuable part of the Smith's business. After struggling through the first few months with a long distance provider, Mailboxes and Parcel Depot became frustrated with the high long distance rates and the poor customer service they were receiving. In August of 2002 they decided it was time to change and made the decision to use Hawkeye REC Long Distance Service. Dale explains, "Now that I switched to REC, my phone bills are just a fraction of what they used to be. And not only that, they have exceptional customer service! If I have a problem I can call them and reach a human being, not a recording but someone that really knows what is going on and can help me with my concerns. That is worth more to me than anything."

Dale continues, "Consumers hold a lot of value in customer service and Hawkeye REC has proved to provide user friendly long distance service at a reasonable cost. The cost per minute is just fantastic, especially no monthly fees."

Not only does Hawkeye's long distance provide excellent service for businesses, but also to residents all over the country. It is not a requirement to be a member of Hawkeye.

• The rate for in-state calls is 8.9 cents per minute and 6.9 cents for out-of-state calls.
• Customers can also purchase additional calling cards for 12 cents per minute.
• Customers also have the option of having an 800 number at only 8.9 cents per minute.
  

Call the office today at 563-547-3801 or 1-800-658-2243 and take advantage of these hot rates!